ORIGINAL: kickin_buck

So, I had a stand I wanted to pull down and move to another one of my farms. The opener is quickly coming, my free time is little to none. Desprate to get this stand moved, I decide to drive the 2 hours north Friday after work and pull the stand. I arrive at the farm 45 minutes after dark, jump on the 4-wheeler and start towards the stand. About half way there I burn the drive belt up, so now the 4-wheeler is down. I decide to walk the rest of the way, get the stand and worry about the 4-wheeler later. All by myself, no flash light and a good hour after dark. I climb up the tree, break the strap loose and that was it, down I go to the ground. A busted up ankle, ribs, a 13 stitches in my right hand. With all that, it could have been so much worse. I made so many stupid mistakes Friday night. I know I have pulled/hung 1000's of stands in my life, many I have done by myself. I took it for granted Friday night that pulling this stand would be a breeze and nothing would go wrong. What would I have done if I would have busted somthing up and not been able to walk? Nobody around, nobody knowing where I was at. It could have been real bad. I never used safety straps before, alway thought they would be in my way and screw up my hunt. Well, that thought has changed after taking that fall. Guys, pulling/hanging stands can be dangerous. Have a partner with you, use safety straps. Our sport has a certain amount of risks and I know I had been stupid in the past and took it for granted that everything would okay. Don't be stupid like me. If you are in a tree have a safety strap on. One 30' fall and your season could be over, hell your life could be over. Strap yourself in guys and be safe.